The rapid growth of generative artificial intelligence requires frequent hardware and chip technology upgrades, leaving existing equipment obsolete
A global analysis found that the generative artificial intelligence can create about 1,000 times more electronic waste until the beginning of the next decade.
Without any waste reduction measures, AI e-waste would see significant growth – from 2,600 tons in 2023 to 2.5 million tons in 2030the scientists said.
This would be equivalent to the projected world population in 2030 of 8.5 billion people almost throwing away two iPhones each.
The rapid rise of Generative AI requires frequent hardware and chip technology upgrades, often rendering existing electronic equipment obsolete.
These devices contain toxic metastasesincluding lead and chromium, which are dangerous to health and the environment, as well as year preciosossuch as gold, silver and platinum, which could potentially be recycled.
“Our findings indicate that this e-waste flow could increase, potentially reaching a total accumulation of 1.2 to 5 million tons during 2020 to 2030,” researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences and from Reichman University in Israel.
“This may be intensified in the context of geopolitical restrictions on semiconductor imports and rapid server turnover to save operational costs,” they wrote in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Computational Science on October 28th.
With information from the South China Morning Post
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/11/04/estudo-revela-que-ia-pode-produzir-milhoes-de-toneladas-de-lixo-eletronico-ate-2030/
